I agree with Namita Bhandare's views in We've gone by the book too long (Another Day, November 27) that education plays a big role in shaping our lives.

Turn the page on education, grades are not everythingI agree with Namita Bhandare's views in We've gone by the book too long (Another Day, November 27) that education plays a big role in shaping our lives. Though our education system has evolved over the years, there's still scope for improvement.

While it's true that getting into a topnotch college is an achievement in itself, it's not necessary that only students from a few elite colleges are capable of working wonders. Marks were never a criterion to evaluate a student's true potential. After all, if Isaac Newton had been judged by the book, he may not have seen anything extraordinary in the falling of an apple.Pallabi Chatterjee, Delhi

IINothing is sacrosanct anymore, least of all education. Today, running an educational institution is a means of making easy money. Both private schools and coaching centres are mushrooming in India. It's disheartening that even the most sincere educationists of the country have succumbed to the lure of money.MPS Chadha, vai email

IIIEven after 60 years of Independence, the quality of education in India is inferior. Despite our rigorous curricula, all that we are capable of doing well is assembling foreign products. The success of IITs doesn't lie in what they teach, but in their students' ability to get out of their comfort zones and put their creativity to good use.Chudamani Ratnam, via email

Not caste in stoneBarkha Dutt in Common sense wins (Third Eye, November 27) correctly points out that the common sense prevailed over divisive politics in the recently-concluded Bihar assembly elections where people voted Nitish Kumar to power for the second time. However, it's too early to conclude that the Indian voter has risen above petty issues of caste and creed.

At the same time, it should be acknowledged that voters will always reward good governance. Nitish Kumar's victory rests on three factors: economic engineering, social development at the primary level and security. One hopes that other states will also adopt his governance model.Ved Guliani, Hisar

IIBihar exemplifies the replacement of ideologies with pragmatism and common sense. If Kumar's development model is replicated in other major states, it will not only help in their economic and social growth but also bring prosperity and peace in India.Balram Misra, Ghaziabad

The media and the messageSamar Halarnkar's article Dangerous liaisons (Maha Bharat, December 2) was a sincere attempt at salvaging the media's dwindling reputation. It's true that Radiagate has brought to light some dark truths about the media. The icons of the industry, who epitomised ethical and fearless journalism, have let people down. The media no longer have the moral authority to question the government on corruption. Halarnkar deserves praise for his courage in discussing the wrongdoings of his colleagues and seniors.Manish Kumar Mall, via email

IIHalarnkar rightly states that since the media are now scrutinising the liaisons between journalists, industrialists and politics, it's a matter of time before the truth is revealed. There was a time when people used to take press reports and senior journalists' opinions seriously. Now, they will be sceptical of them. It is high time that the media self-regulated themselves and refrained from misleading people.DR Gulati, via email